“We as believers cannot follow the ways of this world and live a life that is pleasing to the LORD! It really is not logical. Take a few moments or more of your time daily and meditate upon the WORD of GOD. Be encouraged, convicted if warranted and also inspired to keep continually moving forward growing in HIS Grace.

GOD’S WORD is necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. It refuels, refreshes, revives and also empowers us to live for HIM! Prayer is very important. This is how we communicate with the Lord. Stay connected to the Him and “Pray without ceasing” all throughout your day. I even recommend taking “Praise Breaks” throughout the day. Know that God is Omnipresent. The more you become aware of His presence you will become stronger and securer in your personal relationship with Him.

We the people are HIS Church. We are supposed to be the LIGHT of this world. No doubt there are so many very unusual things going on all about us all around the world. No need for alarm for they verify and confirm the TRUTH of HIS WORD. Simply take time periodically and see if you are on the narrow path that leads to Him or traveling or teetering the broad road that leads to destruction… Whenever necessary; readily REPENT & REFOCUS! Regularly take spiritual baths in HIS WORD. It has amazing miraculous cleansing POWER!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, “Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Every day is a good day to Worship & Praise our Lord! True worshipers must “WORSHIP HIM in SPIRIT & in TRUTH” whenever or wherever we worship. Remember we are the Ecclesia meaning: His Worldwide Church is a committed congregation of believers. We the collective body of Christian believers who have confessed Christ Jesus, are regarded as actually constituting one Universal Church under God. We are to daily trust the Lord, commit to His Word and “Walk by Faith”

It is in the beginning in Genesis we discover that the world was spoken into existence by the Word which is Christ Jesus. This is confirmed in the Book of John. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1

“NOW FAITH is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11

“Your attitude should be the same as that of CHRIST JESUS:
Who, being in very nature GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped, but made HIMSELF nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to death ~ even death on the cross! Therefore GOD exalted HIM to the highest place and gave HIM The NAME that is above every name, that at The NAME of JESUS every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to The GLORY of GOD The FATHER!” Philippians 2 ~ WORD FOR TODAY ~

~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY ~

JESUS CHRIST is our ONLY PERFECT example. He was both miraculously divine and yet still a sinless human man. He never did, said, or thought anything wrong. How amazing! He died upon the cross & rose with ALL POWER to SAVE us from eternal damnation… He overcame sin in the flesh for mankind. For this we should be eternally grateful. He was RIGHTEOUSNESS personified in the purest highest form ever. It is because of HIM we too are able to overcome sin in the flesh as we submit to HIS WILL & HIS WAY. He truly is THE GLORY of GOD!

Many serve the Lord to be served. Many serve to have power and authority over others. A dedicated committed servant of the Lord is willing to serve the Lord with gladness. They realize that absolutely nothing is hidden to Him. He or she seeks above all to be pleasing to the Lord. We all are accountable to the Lord for our actions. It is so very important to build a strong sure foundation upon the Word of God! Whenever we stand upon His Word He stands with us.

Serving the Lord does not mean that we are to make others or ourselves feel comfortable in sin. Sin actually separates us from God. We are supposed to “Walk in the Light.” We can choose to call upon our Lord and Savior to Help us anytime, anywhere 24/7. HIS WORD is necessary Spiritual Food for our soul. His Word is alive and it quickens our souls. It is important to hide His Word within our hearts. As we embrace and implement its Truth in our daily lives we becomes spiritually stronger. God wants us to be whole!

“Therefore whoever HEARS these sayings of MINE, and DOES them, I WILL liken to him to a wise man who built his house on The ROCK; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it DID NOT fall, for it was founded on THE ROCK!” MATTHEW 6

We should make a sincere attempt to live in anticipation each day as though our Lord were going to return. Our main focus in life should always be the Lord. This actually is what helps us to better navigate through the maze of life. God is Omniscient. His Word lights our path. Make it a point to regularly and consistently spend time with the Lord in His Word. This is how we continuously grow in His grace, love, wisdom and understanding. We should daily seek the direction of the Lord in all areas of our lives.

We should not want our Lord to be a stranger whenever we see Him face to face. Therefore Live Everyday; “To GOD Be the GLORY!”

Serve the Lord because HE deserves to be served. “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.” I Corinthians 7

Upon the profession of our FAITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT becomes alive within us and HELPS us to rise above sin. God has created each of us with a purpose in mind. It is our choice to discover His Will for our lives. We All need Him as Savior and Lord. It is a BLESSING & a PRIVILEGE to be able to call upon HIM as our Personal Savior. “For ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of The GLORY of GOD!” Romans 3.

Let’s not continue to make excuses for any sin or shortcomings. Instead learn to call upon JESUS! Whenever sin beckons, allow the Savior to help you rise above it. God wants us to be complete in Him. This is how we become better people. This is how we become whole. When we live to please the Lord we will always eventually become victorious! Always remember;“What can wash away my sin; nothing but The BLOOD of JESUS! What can make me whole again; nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS! O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. No other HELP I KNOW nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS!”

“TRUE MINISTRY IS NOT just about how well you CAN sing, dance, preach, proclaim or teach GOD’S WORD; for many, can do that. GOD’S WORD IS ALIVE!!! It goes far beyond the surface… The depth and dimensions of His infallible Word is without limit. Ministry is about carrying the TRUTH of HIS GOSPEL to the world at large… To share HIS WORD & MISSION to individuals,families and communities ALL throughout this world. Today there are many ways and resources in which we can do this…

Christianity is a daily lifestyle. Please do not limit this to your geographical location, assembly or denomination of choice. Live GOD out LOUD for the world to see… “O MAGNIFY the LORD with me. Let us EXALT HIS NAME together!”

MINISTRY is NOT just causing the masses or an individual to go into a multiplicity of temporary moments escaping into emotional despair or a frenzy… This will only result in a temporary fix. Quite often it will cause an ongoing continual series of emotional roller coaster ups and downs. The person is often compliant to participate in the moment because they have a great need to feel accepted.

I am ALL for whole heartedly praising the LORD! But know this “GOD IS NOT the Author of confusion!”
True worship means to “WORSHIP the LORD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH!”

MINISTRY is often inclusive of displays of heartfelt emotions. It should usher you into the spiritual atmosphere known as the PRESENCE of the LORD. Here your awareness is heightened. This is where strongholds are broken and many or one can be truly delivered, healed and set FREE. We must sincerely invite the infilling presence of the Lord within and seek His direction. MINISTRY is about how effectively you can encourage others to TRUST & BELIEVE in the LORD without manipulation. MINISTRY is dependent upon HIS HOLY SPIRIT. This should not be orchestrated or just for a visual effect. The intent is to make others aware of the Omnipresence & Omniscience of our Omnipotent Lord & Savior. To encourage them to seek to freely Worship our Lord in public corporate worship as well as private worship! We as His Ambassadors are to encourage individuals to desire to want to embrace THE TRUTH of HIS WORD into their daily lives!

We need His Holy Spirit to continually open our understanding to become enlightened. GOD IS HOLY! There is no other written text that compares to HIS WORD. To grow in His Grace, Knowledge, Love, Wisdom & Understanding. We must submit to His Will & His Way. We must readily submit and seek the Lord for direction while in the Valley of the Shadow of Death which is the earth. God’s Church is universal. LORD, “YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE on earth as it is in HEAVEN!”

KNOW GOD’S WORD for yourself! Therefore, FOLLOW JESUS and be lead by HIS SPIRIT! SALVATION is about living to be FREED from sin reigning in your life. It is very important to spend personal time with the LORD in HIS WORD

~ GOD WANTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR DAILY LIFE ~

GOD WANTS each of us to render ourselves up to HIM as a vessel. To live out as well as IMPART HIS TRUTH via song, dance, preaching & teaching in such a WAY that the infilling power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT is quickened within or enters the hearts & minds of those who HE desires to reach…. HIS HOLY SPIRIT IS HIS COMFORTER!

“PRAY without ceasing” ALL throughout your day. This is how you STAY CONNECTED to the LORD! YOU NEVER KNOW what a DAY may bring. Therefore, prepare EVERYDAY to take some TIME in the PRESENCE of the LORD to “BE STILL & KNOW!”

~ LIVING AS CHILDREN OF GOD ~

~ BE RIGHTEOUS AS CHILDREN ~
“If you KNOW that HE IS RIGHTEOUS you KNOW that everyone who does right is born of HIM! How GREAT is the LOVE the FATHER has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of GOD! And that we are!

The reason the world does not know us is that it DID NOT know HIM!

Dear Friends,
Now we are Children of GOD, and what WE WILL BE has not yet been made known. But we KNOW that when HE APPEARS we SHALL be like HIM. for we SHALL SEE HIM as HE IS,
EVERYONE who has this HOPE PURIFIES himself, just as HE IS PURE!”

~ SINNING IS CONTRARY TO FAITH ~ I JOHN 1

With GOD at your side you CAN become ALL that HE has created you to be! You CAN learn to discipline yourself and sin less with the aid of HIS Holy SPIRIT. Self~Control is part of the Fruit of His Spirit! He will manifest and multiply the Fruit of His Spirit within you. You CAN become stronger as your own unique self. Live a life of ministry. Daily ask for the infilling presence of HIS HOLY SPIRIT. Let the LIGHT of our LORD shine through you for everywhere you are HE IS with you. SURRENDER, BELIEVE & TRUST GOD. For only with GOD the impossible becomes POSSIBLE!

There is a marvelous freedom and security we receive as we sincerely learn to trust GOD! No one or nothing can begin to compare to the magnificent difference it makes having the Lord within your life. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!” II Corinthians 3 But we must never abuse that liberty by justifying any wrong behavior in ourselves or others. Jesus Christ died so that we might have life more abundantly. This is inclusive of a rich inner spiritual life. Through His Holy Spirit we have been given the power to overcome sin when we rise above temptation. This is possible when we discipline ourselves to His principles. All who believe in the Lord & accept Jesus Christ into their hearts as Lord & Savior, will eventually defeat death and arise to experience the Eternal Life that awaits us in Heaven!

GOD has a plan and purpose for your life! It is your/our responsibility to seek HIM above all others and everything else. We should desire to KNOW what HIS WILL is for our lives. God wants us to live our lives in Peace. HIS Peace does not mean that we are without difficult situations or conflict. We simply learn to respond differently rather than just react. Our priorities are different from those of the world if not they should be. We should readily repent when convicted or found in error. We instead opt for discipline and elect to live our lives to please God who in any given situation can give us His peace that surpasses the understanding of man. Be thankful and bless His Holy Name!

It is so very important to consistently spend time in the presence of the LORD in HIS WORD! Flood your mind and heart with His precious Word for it is necessary spiritual food to enlighten your soul! It is here you can have a one on one encounter with the Lord and discover Jesus Christ; “The Hope of Glory!”

It is only in the Lord that we can become spiritually whole! This becomes possible when we subscribe to ponder, embrace and daily implement the wisdom from God’s Word because we;

“Seek first the Kingdom of GOD & HIS righteousness and everything else will be added to you…” Matthew 6

“Whatever you do, work at it with your heart, as working to the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance form the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving… Colossians 3

“Let the PEACE of CHRIST rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to PEACE. And be THANKFUL. Let the WORD of GOD dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to GOD. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the LORD JESUS, giving THANKS to GOD the FATHER through HIM…” Colossians 3

We can call upon the Lord 24/7! Be encouraged knowing that our Lord is everywhere that you are “…For it is GOD who works in you to will and to act according to HIS GOOD purpose!” Philippians 2

“…To them GOD has chosen to make known among the gentiles the riches of HIS mystery, which Is CHRIST in you, The HOPE of GLORY!!!” Colossians 1

May the Grace, Joy, Hope and Peace of our Lord be multiplied within your heart through Jesus Christ our Lord! Praise be to our GOD, Father & Lord; “The Hope of GLORY!”

God our Heavenly Father Creator & Maker wants all of us to experience His deep abiding inner peace. This does not mean that we will never have any conflict. Quite the contrary. It means that whenever chaos and mayhem is going on about us we can remain calmly centered in the midst of it. It also means that we remain cognizant as to what is happening all around us. To pray for increased spiritual discernment and insight as well. We are to learn to discipline ourselves to focus upon the Lord instead of whatever the issue at hand might be. We then humbly must yield to His Will & His Way! This in turn will begin assisting the process of lightening our load. By giving the situation over to the LORD we are trusting Him for the outcome. Spiritual healing is an ongoing process. There is always hope when we trust & believe in the Lord!

As we grow in His grace, we meekly proceed with caution when unpleasant situations arise. Not out of fear but by choosing to become disciplined and respond in patience. As we meditate upon His Word and embrace His truth; this also allows the load to begin to shift to Him. We learn how to respond responsively in the moment rather than impulsively react whenever conflict arises. As we yield to Him He molds & shapes us into His image. This is what an intimate relationship with the Lord is really about.

We receive a cavernous insightful perspective in regards to life as we stay connected to the Lord. This is how we blossom spiritually. We begin to daily embrace and be governed by His principles and elect to draw closer to Him. We relinquish wanting to be right just for the sake of being right. We want what the Lord wants for us over our own desires. We want His grace to abound in our lives therefore we submit to the leading of His Holy Spirit. When in question we must wait and “Be Still & Know!” The Lord then begins to multiply within us the Fruit of His Spirit.

Without an ongoing growing intimate personal relationship with the Lord through Jesus Christ, you will miss the true purpose of life & living! You will be towed right along and tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, belief, concept and custom as well as tend to readily subscribe without question to the many traditions of man. You will also be unconsciously shaped into the ways of this world rather than the character of God. Tradition in itself is not bad, but it should not be used to get you to conform to the desires of man only to label you disobedient when you do not adhere to their way of being… It is so very important to know the Word of God for yourself.

God is Omniscient! There is absolutely nothing that we cannot learn from the Lord as we yield ourselves to Him. He will direct us to the necessary resources to facilitate further spiritual growth. As long as we are on this side of Heaven there is still room for improvement. We are here to grow and live out the principles of God’s Word! When we have learned whatever is necessary to complete this phase of life we begin the transition towards going homeward to meet Him.

Understanding comes from God. He can open our eyes and give us better insight in any and every situation. HIS abiding Holy Spirit awaits to lead us on the path of righteousness on the marvelous journey for truth & eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

God’s Holy Spirit abides within us who believe! Our body becomes the temple where His Holy Spirit the Comforter resides. We must in turn ask to be filled over and over again.

We can go boldly before the throne of Grace! If you have not already, start from this day forward living a life of worship. I assure you, you will not only feel better and become healthier, but you will see more clearly! “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary by setting forth the Truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the GOSPEL of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ, as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus; sake……….” II Corinthians 4:1-5

When you are faced with the cares, ills, grief’s, trials and concerns of life know that God sees you as a treasure. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to redeem us from the power of sin. This is why we need Him as Lord and Savior! Allow Him His place in your life! God is the same God yesterday, today and for evermore through everlasting. Intimacy with Him will help you to know that whenever; “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body…”

You never have to loose heart with the Lord. Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith? Ask Him to fill you with His presence each day and remain focused. God wants to perfect us! Simply meaning He wants to mature us and complete us! God wants you to experience His peace that surpasses the understanding of man. God is willing, ready and able to walk with you 24/7. Intimacy will help you to know that the Lord knows and can see the things you can’t see. To know He knows and will reveal all and everything you need to know in order to live and worship Him each and every day yields security. Intimacy with God should be your desired destination. Now step out on faith and really begin to put your hope and trust in Him! “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you…………” Everyday; To GOD be the GLORY!

There really is a difference between being in the Church and the Church being in you? When the Church is in you the Holy Spirit becomes the governor of your soul. You live in the world, you are to be a law abiding citizen but you realize it is in God you move and live and have your being. You are convicted when wrong. You do not desire to be right just for the sake of being right.

The Church is not just a place to go. For you it is your daily lifestyle to live to please God!

This is not some unrealistic, legalistic, rigid, mythical, unattainable, cultic way of being. You realize how vitally important it is to live your life before the Lord. You know without a doubt that God is your Heavenly Father. That the devil his imps and no one or nobody can do anything to pluck you out God’s hands. That you truly belong to God and Jesus is your Lord and Savior! You have been adopted into His family and you know that you know that you know without doubting you are His child! You know what His Word says about being double minded? Wait I must caution you! You must be aware that you will be thought of as strange and or self righteous by those who really do not know or understand you. They will even put you through their heart test. But, those who really know you know that you have been raised in the Church and the Church is in you. Go pluck some spiritual fruit and “pig out”. Especially try some of His good ole patience. Don’t go there; this not some egotistical, arrogant or prideful statement. (This was worth repeating in case you are only reading Part 3)

You see, there really is a difference when you are in the Church and the Church is in you. You know that you have been bought with a price. You know that before you were formed in your Mother’s womb God knew and knows who you are. You also know it is not because of anything you have or have not. It is because of who He is! You praise Him not only in the building; but you praise Him in your home, on your job or at your business in your car, in the midst of trials and persecution. Not just in mere lip service. You even know you have a right to a silent protest when necessary. You actually know and understand why others do not understand you. They have actually helped to strengthen your faith and trust in God. Especially when you know they have done everything possible to attempt to discourage you.

God is awesome! Standing for God does not mean resorting to carnality. Your confidence cannot be in you, are anything else. Yes, you can have confidence because you know God as your Father. You know that He knows you as His child. You know and He knows that you have spent some deep intimate time together in His presence. You know that He has set you free! You know that you have been raised in the church and the church is in you.

God really has a better way for His children. God is not a respecter of persons. It does not matter to Him if you are rich or poor, black, white, red, yellow, tan or brown. He already knows where you live, work, play or “hang out.” He even knows if you have been raised in the church and the church is not in you. He knows if you walk in the flesh or abide in His Spirit. If you truly invite Him into your heart today He will come in your life and make a real difference. As you begin to grasp His Word it will wash you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. He will also teach you how to guard your heart.

There are many wolves among the sheep. Don’t fret God always takes care of His children even in the midst of tests and trials. There are also those who call evil good and good evil. God will and can protect you and keep you from the grasp of wickedness. You must learn to humbly submit to His direction. He will open your spiritual eyes so you can begin to understand. No drugs, nicotine or alcohol needed. You will not want to see things as they appear. You will desire to see clearly. Your conscious will become sensitive and you will have a deepened desire to do what is right in His sight rather than in the sight of man. Realize that Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

God also said in the Book of John to “let not your heart be troubled.” The earth truly is the Lord’s. Truly He will take care of you. God already knows what is going on. Just begin to exercise patience. He will bring what happens in the dark to the light. Did you know you have as much time as you need to do the things that God would have you to do. Study the story of Gideon. He prevailed not because of how many he had to help him. The victory always belongs to God. It is not in the amount, how many are for you are against you. Nor in whoever rises up against you.

God will make it evident to you and those about you that it is only by His grace and mercy that you can truly be successful. Spiritual success is not in the numbers. God knows when you have been raised in His Church and His Church is in you. “He leads me in the Path of Righteousness for His Namesake. Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I WILL fear NO evil. For THOU art with me. THY ROD & STAFF THEY COMFORT me…” Psalms 23 Grace, Joy, Love & Peace to you in Jesus Name! If you really want to be happier, Live Everyday: “To God be the Glory!”

Whatever your station is in life, wherever you work, live, worship, rest or play know that God is right there. As a matter of fact He is everywhere! He just wants us to invite His presence wherever we are. God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. God wants ALL of us to become perfect and whole. He wants us to place our trust in Him! To become perfect does not mean that we become flawless. It means to become complete in HIM! His Holy Spirit is the ultimate Spiritual Counselor!

Do you want a good relationship with your spouse? If you already have a good relationship with your spouse know there is always room for improvement. Your marriage should become refined as you age and like a valuable antique increase in value! We should honor God with our lives and with our marriages. Marriage is honorable in the sight of the LORD! Do you have a good relationship with your family, peers and or friends? Do you have a good relationship with your boss or coworkers? There is always improvement here as well. Oh but, nothing can compare to “What a Friend we have in JESUS!” Whatever the case may be God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. Life with the Lord means we are forever growing in His Grace. God wants us all to be or become happy married or single. Jesus did not die for us to be unhappy. He died so that we could become FREE! He wants His joy to emanate from our being. Joy is a part of the Fruit of His Spirit.

To become whole means that we have inner peace and contentment. Wholeness define; “undiminished, integral, and complete. 5. unimpaired, perfect. 8. totality, aggregate. Whole, total mean the entire or complete sum or amount. The whole is all there is; every part, member, aspect; the complete sum, amount, quantity of anything, not divided; the entirety: the whole of one’s property, family. Total also means whole, complete amount, or number,” As believers we are to become fully immersed in seeking our fulfillment from God. We should never compromise our relationship with the Lord on order to be accepted by anyone. This does not mean that we become self-centered but we are to be God centered! Thank you Lord for your abiding Holy Spirit!

The Greek word for being whole is holos. It means to be together or entire. God is Holy and His Word says “without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12

I often say as long as I am here on earth, I have an invisible umbilical cord that keeps me connected to the LORD! I am God’s child, but I do not subscribe to childish behavior. Time is precious and I think that if there is a problem you need to take the time to responsibly confront it… Yes we can have fun but we are to be responsible and exercise self-control. Everywhere we go we can experience the presence of the Lord! If you are unhappy sad, discouraged, depressed or feel abandoned know that GOD is right there. You can connect with Him right where you are! You just have to make the choice to reach out to Him! It is not always about how you feel. It is more about what you know and believe about God. Know He really is Omnipresent! God has created us. His Word is supposed to be our “Life Manual” This is why it is so very important to know His Word for yourself. It is so important that each of us embrace the principles of His Word within our daily lives. This way you will not be so easily tossed and turned or manipulated. Nor will you desire to manipulate others. I assure you that you will become a lot happier and secure, intrinsically knowing that the Spirit of our Lord resides within you. You will learn how to have healthier boundaries with others. Your desire for the Lord to manifest the Fruit of His Spirit within your life and the life of others will increase.

There are a plethora of inspiring examples of miracles within the Word of God. Truly the Lord can make you whole emotionally, mentally and physically. One in particular is about a man who was lame and crippled for over (38) thirty – eight years. This man daily laid near the pool of Bethesda. Here many came who had many infirmities and laid by the pool seeking to be healed. They believed that when the water moved an angel was present. If they then entered the pool they would become healed. When Jesus saw this lame and crippled man He asked Him “Do you want to get well?” The man replied to Jesus, “I have no one to help me get into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in. Someone gets ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Getup! Pick up your bed and walk!” At once the man was cured from a lifetime infirmity. He obeyed and picked up his mat and walked.” John 5 This is one of many great miracles.

In that very moment this man who had been lame for years was healed and made whole by Jesus! Becoming whole is not always instantaneous, but it is certainly possible. You really have to make it your goal to do whatever you need to do to move toward becoming whole, then trust God to do His part! Sometimes it is a process that takes us through phases of spiritual growth that serve to strengthen our Faith! The Word of God Is amazing it demonstrates over and over how we can become whole through Jesus Christ! But you have to believe that God is who He says that He is!

God created us to be FREE! But that does not mean that we are free to do just anything. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again to ta yoke of slavery.” Galatians 1.

God wants to write His laws onto the table of our hearts and lead and guide us. He wants us to be led by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says; “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds…” Hebrews 10. God wants us to draw closer to Him with an open heart. There is absolutely nothing that God does not know about any of us all around this world that He has created. He loves us because HE IS LOVE!

If we could only grasp the importance of embracing His Word daily! We could then better understand His love. Jesus died so we could be reconciled back to the Father. God wants us to experience His presence daily not just on Sunday or some days. However when we all gather together for worship He should be the Main attraction. What Power we all can experience when we are on one accord. It is not just for an outside show but an intense inner awakening takes place where we can become more enlightened. Whenever you close your eyes you can sense His presence within you. He will manifest Himself in a way that we will know that He is well pleased and your spiritual discernment will be sharpened

The Bible is the infallible Word of God. The Bible records the beginning, what is happening in between as well as what will happen whenever life on earth ends as we know it. No one but God actually knows when the end will come. However we are to live each day as though our Lord were going to return! “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed, on that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife!” Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left…” Luke 17 We must be spiritually and morally ready whenever our Lord suddenly returns.

The Bible has stood the test of time and contains a wealth of necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. This is why it is so very important to spend time in the Word of God so you can better understand the true meaning of life and the significant importance of His Grace. Jesus is the Light of the world. “Jesus is the way the Truth & the Life!” John 14. God wants us to daily walk in the Light and stay on the narrow path that leads to Him.

God does not promise that life will always be easy. But He does promise that, “He will never leave or forsake us.” Regardless of what is happening or not happening in your life God is always a prayer away. All throughout your day “Pray unceasingly” this is how you stay connected to the Lord.

Listen closely and take heed to what the Spirit is saying to us in His Word; “What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He that didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, will he not also give us, with him, all things freely? Who shall bring an accusation against the elect of God? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, but, more than that, is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? It is written, ‘For your sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ But in all these things we more than overcome through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to be, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

You must first believe that GOD’S WORD is true in order to be able to understand and embrace its marvelous contents. GOD’S WORD is indeed marvelous and it is alive! It is necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. There is a feast awaiting that will enlighten your soul, regenerate your heart, mind and physical body! It will awaken your spirit and renew and refuel a desire in you to want to rise to higher spiritual heights!

There is nothing more important nor anything or anyone greater than God! “God is Love,” To truly know God is to know love. Remember He is; “The Great I AM!” He is the Alpha & Omega! He is the beginning and the end! Always remember, absolutely nothing can separate you from God unless you let it. It is important to know that you and I will always & forever need God through Eternity! In Him you can discover your purpose and His plan for your life. Everything that you will ever need in life and beyond this life you can discover in the Lord! God does not force you to choose His Will & His Way He allows us the freedom to choose. He allowed His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. When we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior & Lord His Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and abides within us. His Holy Spirit is available 24/7 to lead and guide us us to all truth. God has given us His breath of life that keeps us alive! He invites us as believers to develop an ongoing deep personal life with Him. The Holy Spirit, is His Comforter who resides within us and revives our soul. We are not saved by our works. It is by Grace we are SAVED! His Holy Spirit desires direct and protect us and lead us in the path of righteousness for His Namesake. It is our choice to walk in the Light and embrace the TRUTH of HIS WORD!

Remember that God wants His Grace to be with us! “Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen!” Ephesians 6

Without the grace of God we would all deserve His wrath. It is by His Grace that He allows us to choose Salvation and His gift of Eternal Life. How interesting that the Bible starts in paradise and it ends in paradise. God’s greatest hope for us that believe is that at the appointed time after we have completed this course of life, we will live with Him through Eternity in Heaven. Heaven is indescribable. The Word uses a beautiful plethora of precious gems of this world that adorns Heaven walls. Pearls to emboss its (12) twelve gates and a translucent array of pure gold to pave its streets. How utterly amazing! It is far beyond what our little finite minds can really imagine. There is also no need for the sun or the moon because the Holy City is illuminated by the GLORY of our LORD. We will see the “New Jerusalem” coming down to earth, which has no temple because the Lord Almighty & the Lamb are the temple. What beauty awaits all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts as Savior & Lord will be able to behold!

Here is what we learn about God’s grace in Ephesians; “Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the Heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will ~ to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment ~ to bring all things in Heaven and on earth together under One Head, even Christ.”
Ephesians 1 Praise God! & Halllelllujah Amen!

Although we do not know the day or the hour that our Lord will return we are to prepare by spending time in His Word, embracing it within our hearts and implementing it within our daily lives. Then at the appointed time we can look forward to beholding the Glory of our Lord! Praise God & Thank You Lord that we are saved by His marvelous grace! No matter whatever happens here on earth GOD’S promises remain and are ALL TRUE! If you turn to the last book of the Bible which is Revelation, turn to chapter (22) twenty two, scroll down to the very end you will find these words; “The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen!” Revelation 22:21 We as believers should daily Thank God for His amazing grace! Lord Bless & Keep You! & Everyday forever more! “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”

God is an omnipotent, gracious, kind & loving God. It is through His grace and compassion that He created this world for us to live in that we inhabit. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, it is His elegant extravagant divine kindness extended toward us. God always loves us because He is love and God wants His grace to be with us! Truly God is the Most High God above Him is no other! He is the Great “I AM!”

The Hebrew word for grace is hased. It is derived from the word hesad which means to be good or kind. The Greek word for grace is charis it is derived from the word char which means wellbeing pleasant or delightful. God’s grace has been bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; Grace & Truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1 The Word teaches us that we are saved by the Grace of God. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift from God – not by works, so that no one can boast, less anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2.

If you ever wonder how life on earth began take some time and study the Book of Genesis. Genesis means beginning or origin. It contains an authentic record of creation. It is by God’s graciousness that He created this world for us to live in. He created mankind for His Glory. “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1

It is clear that God existed before anything else. God is omnipresent He is everywhere at the same time, He is infinitely immeasurable. Our infinitesimal minds cannot comprehend the totality of God who is limitless. He created the Heavens and the earth through His Word Jesus Christ who had not yet manifested within a body of sinless flesh, yet He was with the Father from the beginning in Spirit. This is an amazing truth that we believe through the Faith He has instilled within us who embrace His infallible Word! There is absolutely nothing that has ever happened or will happen in Heaven or earth that God is not totally aware of. He is omniscient He knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen. It is God’s desire that we draw closer to Him daily!

Everything that God made was good! God wants us to experience the goodness of His grace. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God‘s Grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And made known the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in Heaven and on earth together under One Head, even Christ!” Ephesians 1

God created and provided everything for Adam & Eve that was needed or necessary for them to live a rich full abundant carefree spiritual, emotional and physical life in His presence. He created Adam in His own image, who was the first man. He created them as one. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1 God made Adam from the dust of the ground. He then placed Adam into a deep sleep, and took one of his rib bones. From the rib bone that was taken from Adam God miraculously created him a companion wife to be by his side! They both were as one, God named them Adam. Marriage was created by God. God’s grace was upon them. It was not until after they had disobeyed and sinned that Adam named his wife Eve. Adam & Eve was the first couple and they lived in harmony with the Lord until they disobeyed. From Peter we learn that the Lord extends His grace to us in marriage. It is important that God is or becomes the center of your marriage. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them in understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1Peter 3

Food For Thought Before You Say “I DO”

How Compatible are We? Ready for Intimacy? Commitment? The Marriage Bed? In-laws or Out-laws?
Many couples spend a great deal of time planning their wedding, but little time planning their marriage. They have not taken the time to have candid open discussion as to what happens after the wedding. Planning your wedding is important, but so is planning your marriage.
How Do I Love Thee:Food For Thought Before You Say "I DO" is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy. It addresses many of the major subjects couples should discuss prior to marriage.
An invaluable resource for those contemplating marriage.